Golden Pass Express train length

[AdamWW]

Looking at (expensive, but apparently optional) reservations on the "Golden Pass Express" gauge changing trains between Montreux and Interlaken, I only ever seem to see three coaches available on the seating plans (seems to be one 1st, one composite and one 2nd class).

So far as I can make, when the trains first started operating they had 4 coaches, with a 5th low floor coach added later (and a 6th on standard gauge acting as a translator vehicle).

Does anyone know why the seating plans seem to be missing two coaches? Are they unreserved? Or used exclusively by tour groups?

 

[mountainpixel]

The translator vehicle is always unreserved and only runs Zweisimen to Interlaken. If the train is busy, you can change in Zweisimmen for lots of space in the additional coach.

No need to reserve on this train unless you're a large group that wants to sit together. This train is used by locals just like normal transit.
The reservations for CHF 20.00 are in short a "scam".

 

[duesselmartin]

this winter I had the (bad) luck that the gauge changer in Zweisimmen was out of order. The GPX ran from Montreux to Zweisimmen where we changed into a modern BLS unit for Interlaken.

OT. Why not run a long service from Montreaux to Luzern? With another gauge changer at Interlaken it must be possible.

 

[Tester]

OT. Why not run a long service from Montreaux to Luzern? With another gauge changer at Interlaken it must be possible.

As I understand it, the rack section from Giswil is a problem.

 

[35B]

As I understand it, the rack section from Giswil is a problem.

The issue is weight on the rack sections between Meiringen and Luzern

 

[Gordon]

this winter I had the (bad) luck that the gauge changer in Zweisimmen was out of order. The GPX ran from Montreux to Zweisimmen where we changed into a modern BLS unit for Interlaken.

OT. Why not run a long service from Montreaux to Luzern? With another gauge changer at Interlaken it must be possible.

This has been examined, re-examined, re-re examined - the final verdict was the now current GoldenPass Express with gauge change technology.

Another factor is there is to my knowledge comparatively little through traffic Luzern - Montreux. Most journeys are to/from Interlaken from either Montreux or Luzern



.

 

[35B]

Following the OT diversion, my experience last year was that by no means all traffic was Interlaken - Montreux, and that there was material intermediate traffic. The same was true on the Zentralbahn.